Flashback-13 years ago

Scarlet's POV

We left our beautiful home country of Spain one week ago and so far, I hate the USA. I want to go back to Sunny Spain where all my friends are. Rosa got to come with us because her father works for my father but I haven't seen her since we arrived in the US. I feel so alone.

My father, Mother and I are driving to his business partner's house. I already don't like the guy even though I haven't met him because he's the reason that we had to move.

"Papá, tell me again why we're going to this man's house." I whined.

"Because Rapunzel, Papá's going to be working with Mr Jackson for a very long time. We're business partners and because we're going to be business partners for so long, I want him to meet our family and we can meet his. He's also an old friend of mine and your mother's. I'm sure you'll like him." He explained.

I said under my breath. "I doubt that."

Papá has been calling me Rapunzel since the day I was born because I had a lot of hair and it got even longer as I grew up. Right down to my bum and I refuse to have it cut!

"Mamá? Are you happy about the move?" I asked curiously.

"Of course, Scarlet! This move is a great opportunity for us as well as Papá. Don't you like it?" She asked with a frown.

"No. I don't like it here. I want to go home. Back to Spain." I huffed and folded my arms.

Both my parents sighed in defeat as we pulled up to a gate. After pressing a buzzer and Papá showed his ID, we drove up a large drive way. When we got out, we were greeted by a very sweet lady I assumed to be Mr Jackson's wife, Katherine.

"Lucia! Miguel! It's so good to see you." Katherine said as she hugged my father, then my mother.

"Oh, it's good to see you too Kat." My mother said pulling away from their hug with a wide grin.

"And who is this beautiful young lady?" Katherine said looking around my mother to me. "What's your name, sweetie?" She asked as she walked closer to me.

She has a kind face...

"My name is Scarlet and it's very nice to meet you ma'am." I said shyly holding my hands together in front of me.

"Oh, what beautiful manners you have! It's very nice to meet you too and you can call me aunt Kat."

We made our way to the house and upon entering, Katherine pointed out Joseph's office and my father went inside.

I looked around and noticed a slightly opened door and lit up when I saw that it was a room full of books.

I love to read and write.

Noticing my reaction to seeing the room, Katherine turned to me.

"Me and your mother are going to have tea in the kitchen. Would you like to go down to the library to read?" She offered.

"Yes please."

"Well go right in. I hope you find something you like."

I nodded then opened the door further and walked down the few steps into the HUGE library. The shelves on the walls were stacked with books.

The curtains were closed but there was a large fireplace that was burning and lit the room with a warm glow. I saw the back of a large, red leather chair in front of the fireplace. On the floor in front of the chair were many books and pieces of paper.

I walked over and picked up a book that was open beside the messy stack of papers and closed it to look at the cover that read "Peter Pan". I grinned from ear to ear.

I don't own this book at home but I borrowed it from a friend back in Spain once. I never got to finish due to the move to Newyork.

I turned to go and sit in the leather chair but noticed that there was someone else in it, staring at me.

"Oh." I said startled. "Umm, who are you?"

"I'm Michael." He replied shyly. "Who are you?"

"I'm Scarlet."

"That's a pretty name. Do you like Peter Pan?" He asked nodding towards the book in my hand.

"I started reading it before I moved here but never got to finish. I love it so far though."

"Oh, you're the girl from Spain that my father was referring to, right?"

"Yep." I smiled.

"I'm sorry. I can be a little slow at times. I should have picked that up from your accent which is beautiful too."

I blushed.

"Thank you."

I noticed he had a pad of paper in his hands and a few text books near him.

"I'm so sorry. I've disturbed your studying! I'll just go and sit in with my mother." I said as I placed the book down and prepared to leave.

"Oh no. I was just about to take a break so it's quite alright."

Michael patted the space beside him on the chair and I took the seat gladly.

He seems like someone who's brain I'd like to pick.

"May I ask how old you are, Michael?"

"I'm 17."

"You have got to be the nicest 17-year-old guy I've ever met." I giggled. "I have a couple teenaged cousins and they're not nearly as polite as you!"

He blushed this time.

"Thank you. And you're the nicest...how old are you?" He asked.

"I'll be 11 in one month."

"Well you are the nicest 10-year-old I've ever met. Pleased to meet you." He chuckled and held out his hand.

I took it and we both laughed as we shook hands.

I think I've made a friend...

I spent the rest of the day discussing books and authors with Michael. We also found some cards and played a few games.

During our card game, we got to know each other a little better. I was very impressed to say the least.

"I was brought up speaking Spanish and English. I learnt French when I was five. Go fish."

Michael picked up a card.

"Wow. You know, you're really mature for a ten-year-old."

"Thanks. Got any queens?"

He handed me the card.

"So, what's your favourite song?" I asked.

"Hmm. I like "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin."

"That is a beautiful song. Isn't that by Nat King Cole?"

"No. Actually, it was composed by Charlie Chaplin. Nat King Cole was just the vocalist. I love music. People always assume the vocalists are the writers. Kind of like ghost writing."

"Speaking of which, what books do you like?"

"Coincidently, my favourite is Peter Pan." Michael stopped and thought for a minute. "Hey. Since you haven't finished, we should read it together from the start." He suggested.

"That's a good idea."

"We could take turns reading to each other. A chapter a day. How's that sound?"

"I'd like that."

Just then, my mother called.

"Scarlet! It's time to go!"

"Ok Mamá!" I replied. "My Papá said that we'll be coming here again tomorrow so I'll see you then. Bye Mike!"

"Later Scar!"

Scar...I like it.

I skipped out of the library and after saying goodbye to aunt Kat, we got in the car and started out for our new home.

"So, did you find any good books?" Mamá asked.

"A few."

"That's good."

"You know, Mr Jackson has a son." Papá said.

"Yes. I met him in the library."

"What did you think of him?"

"I think he's very nice." I said trying not to smile too widely.

"Well that's good because we were thinking about letting him tutor you. Mrs Jackson suggested it. What do you think, Rapunzel?"

I thought about it for a while because I'm awfully stubborn when it comes to studying. I like to do it alone.

"I guess I could try it. I don't know all the customs over here so it might be helpful."

"That's my girl. I know you like to study alone so I'm proud of you for at least trying this out. If you don't like it then you don't have to go to the tutor sessions, ok?"

"Alright."

End of flashback

A/N - I'm sorry. I know it's not that great but I was just very stumped when trying to edit this to make it better so I guess we're stuck with it, but trust me. It gets better.

Elisha

xoxoxo